Judge selections narrowed to three

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003 | 9:28 a.m.

Three Southern Nevada attorneys have been chosen finalists to replace District Judge Gene Porter, who resigned Oct. 24, State Supreme Court Chief Justice Deborah A. Agosti said Tuesday.

The state Commission on Judicial Selection met Monday and Tuesday for closed-door interviews at the Supreme Court offices at 316 Bridger St. to make the choices.

The nominees are Kenneth C. Cory, Elizabeth Goff Gonzalez and Troy E. Peyton. The commission sent their names to Gov. Kenny Guinn, who will make the final decision.

Cory, 60, has been an attorney since 1971. He spent two years as an assistant U.S. attorney and several months as a deputy city attorney before being named as Nevada's first federal public defender. He practices in Henderson.

Gonzalez, 42, is a private attorney. She is also active in the State Bar.

Peyton, 43, is a private attorney practicing with the firm Rumph and Peyton. He specializes in business and commercial law and personal injury cases.

The Selection Commission asked each attorney who applied 50 questions about his or her education, law practice, business and community involvement, professional and personal conduct and health.